About CLEF
Supporting ensemble music in a diverse Church
From weekly ensemble rehearsals to parish liturgies, ensemble music is a vital part of the Church’s worship life, engaging the faithful, drawing hearts to prayer, and inviting deeper participation in the liturgy. CLEF exists to support ensemble musicians, whether volunteer or professionally trained, in feeling equipped and confident in sharing their gifts with their communities.
What we do
We understand the unique challenges and opportunities for ensemble musicians. We also recognize that a considerable void exists in the formation and training available to ensembles, especially in smaller, rural, or culturally diverse church communities.
That’s why CLEF offers a range of opportunities that combine practical instruction on both music and liturgy topics, including:
- Free online music ministry resources tailored to those serving in ensemble music ministry
- Workshops designed to strengthen ensemble musicianship, liturgical knowledge, and leadership skills
- The CLEF Summer Program , which is an immersive, week-long formation experience focused on growth, reflection, and community
We invite you to engage with the CLEF Life content that’s most relevant for you, whether videos to build specific skills in ensemble music, written prayers and reflections to deepen your spiritual journey, or practical tools and tips for leading an ensemble.
Who we serve
CLEF was created by ensemble musicians, for ensemble musicians. Our founding board members recognized a need to meet musicians of all skill levels where they are — with education, practical tools, and a supportive community.
Ensemble music looks different in every community with varied styles, instruments, languages, and traditions. CLEF embraces the beauty of the diverse church in how we support the liturgy and our communities with the gift of music. All are welcome to share in the ministry of CLEF.
CLEF resources and programs help support:
- Vocalists and instrumentalists
- Paid and volunteer musicians
- Musicians of varied skill levels and experience
- College students, emerging leaders, and experienced music ministers
- Those serving in a wide range of parish and ministry settings
Together, these musicians reflect the many ways ensemble music supports prayer and liturgy.
We also serve those who influence and support ensemble music, including pastors, liturgy directors, religious educators, and parish leaders who want their musicians to flourish. By strengthening ensemble music ministries, CLEF supports the broader mission of the Church to invite full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy.
About our team
CLEF is led by an all-volunteer team of individuals who are passionate about the role of ensemble music in liturgy. Our board members include university-trained musicians, doctorate-level liturgists, and ensemble musicians with no formal training. In addition to our board members, we have many committee volunteers who give of their time and talent to help advance our mission.
Join us on the journey
CLEF is a community of musicians, liturgists, clergy, and others who are committed to enriching the prayer life of the Church through ensemble music. Whether you are looking for in-person programs to develop your skills, free online music ministry resources, or ways to connect with other musicians, we invite you to learn, grow, and serve with us.
Learn more about our various programs and join us where you can!
CLEF Summer Program
Join us in Milford, Ohio, for an entire week of prayer, music, and community. The program features vocal and instrumental sessions, clinic day, prayer/reflection, and much more.
CLEF Ensemble Workshops
If you can’t get away for an entire week, our CLEF Ensemble Workshops provide a shorter two-day opportunity to immerse yourself in improving your ensemble musicianship skills.
CLEF Life Resources
Our free online CLEF Life Resources cover a wide range of topics, including instrumental skills, vocal skills, liturgy, spirituality, leadership, and more for musicians of all skill levels.
Frequently asked questions
The following questions offer additional context about CLEF’s mission, programs, and approach to ensemble music. If you have additional questions, we invite you to reach out to our team.
Ensemble music refers to any group of two or more musicians (singers, instrumentalists, or a combination of the two) making music together in a church setting. Ensemble music plays a vital role in supporting sung prayer and helping the assembly participate fully in the liturgy, especially in smaller or rural parishes where music is often led by a small group of dedicated volunteers. While some ensembles may refer to themselves as a contemporary choir, a folk group, or a specific name, CLEF defines an ensemble more by its structure than the style of music used in liturgy.
CLEF serves ensemble musicians of all skill levels, including volunteers and professionally trained musicians. Our community includes instrumentalists, singers, music directors, and liturgists serving in parishes, campus ministries, and diocesan settings. We also support pastors and parish leaders who recognize the importance of ensemble music in forming vibrant, prayerful liturgies within a diverse Church.
No. Many ensemble musicians serve faithfully without formal musical training. CLEF intentionally offers formation and music ministry resources that are accessible, practical, and rooted in real parish experience. Whether you are just beginning or have years of experience, CLEF meets you where you are and supports your continued growth.
The Church is beautifully diverse in culture, language, worship style, and musical expression. Our programs and music ministry resources support ensemble musicians serving in rural parishes, urban communities, culturally diverse congregations, and campus ministries with a recognition that ensemble music looks different in every community.
CLEF offers a wide range of free and in-person music ministry resources, including online articles and videos, virtual events, two-day workshops, and our week-long CLEF Summer Program. These resources address instrumental and vocal technique, ensemble skills, liturgy and theology, leadership, spirituality, and more to help musicians serve the liturgy with confidence and care.
CLEF focuses specifically on ensemble music in Catholic liturgy, though we welcome musicians from all faith traditions to join us. We are not a membership organization, but rather a community of musicians and liturgists who are committed to improving the sung prayer of our parish communities.
There are many ways to get involved with CLEF. You can participate in our programs, explore our video and written resources, join our online community, volunteer your time, or support our work by donating to CLEF. Every form of involvement helps strengthen ensemble music and supports the musicians who serve the Church week after week.